Truckstop Travels: Seeing Service in Action During the Louisiana Floods

The prolonged rainfall and resulting flooding in Louisiana in August was absolutely devastating. During a recent visit there in August, I saw so many truckstop and travel plaza operators doing everything they could to remain open during the disaster to serve their customers. We also talked with members who had to close due to the floods but were hard at work in hopes of re-opening as soon as possible. Our industry keeps people and products moving, and that can be even more important as people are leaving devastated areas or working to bring in relief supplies.
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The prolonged rainfall and resulting flooding in Louisiana in August was absolutely devastating. During a recent visit there in August, I saw so many truckstop and travel plaza operators doing everything they could to remain open during the disaster to serve their customers. We also talked with members who had to close due to the floods but were hard at work in hopes of re-opening as soon as possible. Our industry keeps people and products moving, and that can be even more important as people are leaving devastated areas or working to bring in relief supplies.

I had planned my Louisiana visit before the storms, but I decided to carry on with my trip as planned. It is hard to imagine the devastation, and I truly believe that unless you see the damage with your own eyes, it doesn’t do it justice. 

While we drove through water to visit members and non-members alike, it was nothing compared to what our industry members had to deal with, such as water as high as their rooftops. 

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Unfortunately, we were unable to visit with Lucky Deuces and Cash Magic in person due to flooding issues impacting the Interstate but had the opportunity to speak with them via phone. 

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We were able to visit St. Rose Travel Center, Silver’s Travel Center, Frog City Travel Center, Henderson Travel Center ad La Place Travel Center. We also stopped by several NATSO member chain locations and some non-member locations as well. I know the local customers and travelers at all of the locations we visited were grateful the business owners were able to open their doors and provide service.  

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/// Did you know most weeks you can find me visiting a NATSO member truckstop location, spending three to four days, using my merchandising and operations expertise to help them grow their business? I periodically share about those great retailers I visit here on the blog. Read more Truckstop Travels here.   

Photo Credit: Darren Schulte/NATSO

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